Mercedes has released a teaser video of its new GLA crossover ahead of its appearance at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show. The design sketches shown below were also revealed this week on the official Mercedes Facebook page.
What’s the GLA all about?
We’ve spotted the GLA in testing before, and it’s the fourth body style built in the new A-class platform. It is – almost literally – an A-class on stilts. That means it competes directly with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, with increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive, in a package wrapped in a body that follows the A-class’s lead with its large grille and oversized Mercedes badge. Inside it will use an identical dash to the small hatch as well.
What’s under the bonnet?
The GLA will be available with both diesel and petrol four-cylinder engines sourced from the A-class. While the hatch starts with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, the GLA’s likely to start of with more powerful version 1.8-litre oiler across both front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, while the 1.6-litre petrol that kicks of the A-class range is likely to be the start for the GLA as well. There will be a GLA A45 AMG to rival the Audi RS Q3 as well.
When can I buy one?
The GLA will go on sale in early 2014 in the UK, with prices expected to start from around £25,000 and stretch to £45,000 for the GLA AMG.
>> Is the GLA better looking than the Q3 or X1? Comment below…